The AirX team has gained approval for its call sign ‘Legend’

AirX Aviation launches US operations

Malta-based AirX has opened a Fort Lauderdale office and gained a North American business jet fleet through the purchase of a stake in two US companies: Part 121 operator Via Airlines and Elite Air, a Part 135 operator of VIP charter, both based in Florida.

Elite Air will become AirX America and begin the operation of Challenger 850s, Citation Xs and Gulfstream IVSPs.

AirX America's plans include fleet growth to around 10 aircraft. Its Citation Xs will service the coast to coast market and the Challenger 850s will service the five hour radius from hubs in New York and Los Angeles.

AirX will move its VIP A340 onto the larger Part 121 certificate for ACMI and tour operator contracts and it plans to increase its fleet of Embraer 145s to six. At the same time the company will continue to service the Essential Air Service routes that it has recently negotiated with the government.

Darren Banham becomes president of the team which includes David Livingstone, Jack Burt, Peter Obre, Simon Edwards, Daniel Frisch and Jose Torres, all of whom have considerable experience and knowledgeof the charter industry throughout North, Central and South America. Roberto Berrios will head up marketing and public relations. All have backgrounds with Chapman Freeborn.

Ex-Chapman Freeborn chairman and deputy chair, Chris Chapman and Carol Norman, have been appointed brand ambassadors to the company.